"I don't wanna move," Buffy moaned, nuzzling her sweat dewed face against Spike's skin, giving his hipbone a lick and sliding her tongue over his stomach before she pushed a kiss into his belly button. She felt his cock, cushioned between her breasts, twitch, thinking about rising back up for another go. They hadn't made it out of bed for breakfast yet. They'd slept for a few hours after her arrival the night before, but woke after only a few short hours and had been making love non stopever since. Buffy's legs, stretched out diagonally across the bed, were of the consistency of jello. He'd exhausted her. She didn't think she'd be able to keep up with him if this was how it was going to be every time. She kissed just above the line of his pubic hair and inhaled,"I love the smell of your skin. I love how you taste."

"Haven't tasted all of me, pet," he said, reaching down to run his fingers through her long blond hair. He smiled at this wanton goddess draping herself over his nude body. Her cheeks were still flush and her skin glowed from the exertion he'd put her through. She'd barely been able to endure his lust and passion. He chided himself, partially. The rest of him, wanted her on her back with her legs in the air. He had to remind himself that she was in a way still just a kid and to find herself suddenly in what he considered to be a very adult relationship was probably more daunting than she realized. At least she wasn't a virgin any longer. Truth be told it had terrified him to the core that he'd been the one to take it. He'd only ever been with one woman before, Drusilla. Being with Buffy though was so drastically different. Buffy was all warmth and life. As exciting as Dru had been, he'd never once thought they'd made love. That's all he did with Buffy.

"I want to, you know? But I've never...so...teach me how?" At those words he did grow hard, his erection feeling crushed under her. Buffy eased back and pulled her legs under her so she was kneeling. She looked at him, at his large erection, a little fascinated and a little nervous. It was very long and thick. She had no basis for comparison, but when he was inside her it bordered on pain. A good kind of hurt, but she felt so full and so stretched that she was surprised they could move together.

"Go on, touch it. It won't bite." She gave him scolding look, then wrapped her hands around the shaft, most of it at least,"Give us bit of a squeeze, pet. But not too hard." She settled in for the lesson and tightened her grip,"Oooh yeah, that's it. Stroke it, sweetheart, up n' down." She glided up, noticing how he was still slick with her own juices, until she reached the swollen head and couldn't go over. Then she went back down until she was at the base. Spike groaned appreciatively and writhed a tad under her loving attentions. She increased her tempo, learning how certain veins when squeezed caused different, pleasurable reactions from him. Pearly drops of precum bubbled at the top and Buffy was inclined to lean in. Tentatively she stuck out her tongue, then being brave, lashed over his cockhead and coated her tongue with his semen,"Oh christ, Buffy..."

"It tastes.....different. Kinda nice. I think." Spike chuckled and draped his arm over his eyes, biting on his bottom lip,"Tell me what now."

"We'll not over do it on your first try, give it a kiss maybe, a little more from your tongue. If it's not too much, you can take some in your mouth...be mindful of your teeth."

"Right, got it, no biting."

"Not at this stage in the game."

"I love how blue your eyes are."

"Really? Awe sweet fucking hell!!!" She'd engulfed the top third of his cock in her warm mouth, closing her lips around the shaft and sucking hard enough for him to fear she was going to suck the skin right off,"Buffy! Buffy!" His dick slurped out of her mouth and she looked confused.

"I did it wrong, didn't I?"

"No, no, darling...just a little bit too much all at once, go easy...we've got time for the heavy stuff later. Just, suck gently."

"Okay, sorry."

"No sorries." She smiled and the curtain of her hair fell over his abdomen as she took him once more in her mouth. She swished her tongue under the rim of the swollen head and he gasped and his muscles tensed,"Right there! Oh Buffy...oh my girl! I love you!" She smiled inwardly, rather proud that she found his weak point, she'd have to remember it for the future. She concentrated mostly on the one action, sucking gently and working around the underside of the head with her tongue. One hand continued to pump him, while the other stole itself down to get a good feel of the heavy sac that lay just below. Spike groaned when she slid her hand underneath to try and cup them both in her hand. She let the weight of his balls roll in her palm, enjoying their velvety texture. She loved exploring his body, now that she knew they had all the time in the world. She felt the package in her hand tighten up and Spike's breathing began to come in heavy pants,"Buff....Buffy, gonna cum, pet...soon....you don't have to..." She gave his balls a squeeze and he let out a strangled cry. Spurts of warm cum filled her mouth and she let it slide down her throat with comfortable swallows.

His softening penis left her mouth and Buffy gave it a kiss before moving to curl up at Spike's side,"I do okay?" Spike was nearly too dazed to move or speak, but he managed to roll on to his side and encompass her with his arms. He kissed her brow and smiled.

"Bloody spectacular, love." She was pleased with herself and smiled coyly, snuggling up close to him. Spike's hand caressed down her body, over her ribs to make her shiver, then down behind her knee to,"Think it's my turn now..."

"What? Oh. Uh...no, it's okay, I mean, I just wanna stay like this."

"You don't have to be frightened, you'll love it, I promise." She pulled back from him and cast her eyes downwards, she shook her head,"Love?"

"Do we have to do everything all at once? I've only been here one night and...."

"Sweetheart? What's the matter?"

"I just don't want you to okay?" She went to get up, but he wouldn't let her leave.

"Buffy, we can't be keeping things from each other already. Talk to me." She sighed and turned over, facing away from him, but didn't protest when he held her tightly back against his body.

"Angel said..."

"Well you can bloody well stop right there and forget everything that fucking ponce ever told you!"

"But..."

"But nothing...I'll have you know that I and any man in his right mind would consider it an honor to worship this fine body of yours." He kissed her shoulder and lay his hand on her stomach, a motion seeming to protect her womb, it was a primal action of a man for his mate,"I love the taste of a woman, how hot it is on my tongue, how spicy sweet, thick. Love the feel of her quim...your quim. How much softer your skin inside must be....I want my eternal rest between your thighs, drinking you, listening to you cum, feeling it as I close my lips around your tender little clit...." Her body was shaking with desire and he just held her tighter,"I love you with all my breath, all my smiles and all my tears." He felt her tears splashing on his arm,"Maybe, when you're ready?" She nodded and kissed his arm where her tears had fallen."I really do love you, Buffy."

"Should I pour the batter down the sink, or make the rest of the pancakes?" Spike asked just as Buffy was stuffing yet another combined mouthful of syrup drenched pancake and bacon. A stream of sticky sweet syrup dribbled down her chin and Spike leaned in a licked it off her, eliciting a giggle from his girl.

"Umphfull."

"Come again?" She swallowed.

"I'm full. Stuffed to the max. It's a good thing you can cook, 'cause I burn boiling water."

"I like cooking for you, I'll enjoy buy you new clothes too."

"Spike, I have lots of clothes."

"Which are back in Sunnydale. If you like we can drive down to see your mum and..."

"No, please. I don't want to see her ever again."

"You'll find in the long run that won't be true. Be happy you have a mum." There was a sad tone in his voice and Buffy dared to ask.

"Is your mom gone?"

"Yeah...quite a few years ago, I was your age. Been on my own since, not counting Dru, but Dru was just happy that she had me all to herself then."

"That's terrible!"

"That was Dru, selfish to the core...but she had her moments."

"My dad always told me I was selfish."

"Not that I can see, pet."

"He said he was glad to finally be free." Spike cleared away the breakfast plates having to be mindful not to smash them as he loaded them into the dishwasher, seething with quiet rage. How could a man say that to his child?

"Said it to your face?"

"I was upstairs in my room, listening to them argue and that was the last thing he said before he walked out, I haven't seen him since. He's called a couple of times to cancel our visits that mom had to beg him to give me in the first place."

"When did he leave?"

"Just before I turned 16. It's okay..."

"It's hardly okay at all, love. My father died when I was a tot, but I know he never would have abandoned me. Your father's a jerk."

"Yeah I know. Never paid a dime of child support either..." Spike at that point did drop a glass, luckily it landed well and didn't shatter. He made little of it and hoped Buffy didn't catch on to how upset he was.

"Think I could meet your father?"

"Why would you want to?" Then Buffy saw the wicked gleam in his eyes and she smiled.

"I have his office number, he never gave me his home number. Be right back! " Spike scowled at that also, but stored that away for later and let Buffy go and retrieve the number from a little book she luckily had in her suitcase and not her stolen purse. When she returned, Spike passed her the phone and saddled up beside her so he could listen in. She dialed the the number and waited until someone answered,"Hi, I'm not sure which department I'm looking for....Hank Summers." Her call was redirected and soon enough his secretary answered.

"Good morning, Hank Summers' office," the woman said.

"Hi, this is Buffy Summers, his daughter. I'd like to speak with him please."

"One moment." Buffy waited for a while, which soon stretched into minutes. Spike moved in to fill the final three inches between them and tipped his head down to rest atop hers. They waited a little longer and the woman came back,"Mr. Summers is just leaving for his 11 o'clock meeting, if I could have a number where he can reach you."

"What I have to say will take thirty seconds. Please."

"Please hold." Time began to pass again and Spike could feel the tension permeating every part of her body. He began to rub her back in soothing circles. At last her father came to the phone.

"Buffy?" he said, voice giving away nothing of his state of mind,"Good to hear from you." Spike was sure that was a lie.

"Hi Daddy. Your secretary said you were in a rush, so I won't keep you. I'm in Los Angeles and was wondering if we could have dinner. There's someone I want you to meet."

"I'm flying to Madrid on Saturday."

"It's Thursday, Dad, what about tonight? Or tomorrow? Please." She hated having to put on the saccharine aire to get convince him to spare two hours of his life for her, but Spike's lips were teasing her earlobe and letting her know he wasn't plussed."Don't you want to see me? It's been two years."

"I suppose I can make time, I'll have Maureen make us reservations for 8 o'clock at Auberge's, it's a French place in Beverly Hills. Can you make it there on your own?"

"No problem."

"See you then."

"Okay, bye Da...." He'd hung up on her. Spike quickly took the phone from her and set it on the island counter, then swept her up in a wild, passionate kiss. His tongue stroked hers until she made that guttural moan he liked and then he oh so slowly pulled away.

"Love you," he said, looking into her eyes.

"What was that for? Not that I didn't like it, but why?"

"Had to get that in before you had a second to doubt how valuable you are."

"Oh Spike."

"You understand that he's a fool, right? I don't even know the man and I don't particularly want to at this point, but he's a selfish bastard and doesn't deserve a daughter as brilliant as you."

"Thank you."

"It's the truth. I'm gonna work overtime to make sure that you, darling girl o' mine, know that you are the most important person on the planet." Tears were brimming in her hazel-green eyes and he didn't want her to get upset, even if it was from his kind words,"Let's get dressed, baby, and go buy you some fine things."

"How do I look?" Spike asked. Buffy gave him a peck on the cheek and then a playful little smack.

"Like a punk, or a thug. Or a thuggy punk, or punky thug. Whichever."

"Which is it?"

"Thuggy punk."

"Charmed I'm sure."

"Can we skip dinner and go have rough sex? You can tie me up or spank me!!"

"Buffy, don't tempt me!" Her finger found its way to her nipple, making lazy circles around the tip until it hardened and make an alluring little display under the silk of her ivory colored slip dress. He'd showered her in gold earlier in the day and tonight she wore several bangles on her right wrist, a new watch on her left, a slim chain held a tiny cross around her neck and there were new hoops in her ears. Coupled with the cascade of her sun kissed hair down her back, she made for a lovely portrait. Her lips were skimmed with cotton candy pink and pearlescence on her eyelids. She took hold of his hand and guided it under the folds of her calf length dress. She wasn't wearing panties. She'd also apparently snuck in the time for a wax this day and he found her mound smooth and bare. He snatched his hand away,"You're bloody wicked. You can say goodbye to those feigned inhibitions of yours, the second we get home tonight I'm eating your pussy until you pass out, and even then I'll have at you until you wake up and I'll do it until you pass out again!"

"Spike!!" She was pouting now and he thought it was adorable.

"We're having dinner with your father, I'm going to to be smug and make lewd innuendoes about what a great fuck you are, how you gave it up in a few hours after having met you..."

"Excuse me? It was a traumatic situation!"

"No, it was true love at first sight."

"Yeah, it was."

"I'm also going to be looking at your chest alot."

"You do that anyways."

"I'll do rude things to you with my hand under the table. I'm also considering fucking you in the bathroom between the desert and coffee."

"Okay!" He parked the DeSoto a few yards from the restaurant.

"You look stunning, love." He got out of the car and came around to her side, opening the door and offering his hand. She loved how he had dressed as if he was going to a rock concert instead of a fancy dinner. Just jeans and a t-shirt. She took his hand and rose from the car, taking his arm and allowing him to escort her. There was a line outside the restaurant, as was usual. Reservations often had to be made months in advance, save for a few with excellent contacts, such as what Hank Summers had through his company. Or as Spike had yet to tell Buffy, himself through a few choice friends, namely the owner as it turned out. But he wasn't going to say anything. The door man however recognized the bleached blond instantly and opened the door for them. Buffy's dad saw them first and made his way over from where he was waiting.

"Hello pumpkin!" he claimed and Buffy smiled, her happiness at seeing him evident to Spike despite how much the older man didn't deserve it. Spike guessed that deep down Buffy needed her father's approval. There was no way Spike was going to get said approval from this man, that was obvious. He just hoped Buffy loved him more."How's my girl?" Hank wrapped her up in a big hug. The act disgusted Spike. How dare this pathetic excuse for a father act like the past two years didn't count. The man was going to be in for one hell of a night, Spike would see to it. If he did anything to upset Buffy, there'd be a mighty wrath. Buffy had never seen Spike's temper and he hoped she never would.

"Daddy, I want you to meet him!" Buffy exclaimed, taking her boyfriend's arm and pulling him forward,"This is Spike!"

"Spike?" Hank's face seemed to blanch a little as he looked at the other man, though cleanly shaven his hair was two-toned with bleach and dark roots, he wore too much jewelry, including a ring on his thumb and a huge skull on a finger. Hank gasped when Spike thrust his hand out to be shaken.

"What-oh?" Spike said gleefully, laying on the accent and slang rather thickly. Reluctantly Buffy's father shook his hand and quickly diverted attention towards his own date. She was a petite blond like Buffy, with blue eyes and a huge chest which the skimpy red dress she wore over accented. She was not to so delicately staring at Spike's crotch.

"Buffy and, um, Spike this is Harmony Kendall. We work together."

"What sort of work is that?" Spike asked, eyeing up Harmony, but at the same time caressing Buffy's behind.

"Investing."

"Do you have any tattoos?" Harmony asked Spike, interrupting.

"No, love, like to keep the body clean, keep it pristine. Buffy can tell you that." Hank scowled and Spike pinched Buffy's ass, making her jump.

"Is there a table waiting for us?" Buffy asked quickly, Spike hand back to just rubbing her firm bum cheeks. Hank noticed that Spike was looking about and acting distracted. Hank thought he must be casing the joint. And did his hand always have to be on Buffy's body?

"Supposedly, I've been waiting for 15 minutes."

"Well, it just turned eight, so maybe we can be seated now." Spike caught the eye of the maitre'd and gave a nod. Immediately the man came over.

"Party of Summers?" the man in the tuxedo inquired. They were lead to a table at the center of the dim, candle lit restaurant. It was round, like all the others with a unique centerpiece of orchids floating in a shallow crystal soupcon, surrounded by candles. The maitre'd had already pulled out Buffy's seat for her ahead of Spike and the bleach blond received yet another scowl as Hank did the same for Harmony. Spike whispered something to the waiter that Hank couldn't quite make out, but he was sure it was something derogatory.

"So, honey," Hank began,"What brings you to LA?"

"I live here now," Buffy replied, feeling Spike smile beside her. He scooted his chair a few inches closer to her.

"What about your mother? You haven't dropped out of school have you?"

"No, I'm going to finish, probably at night though, I'm thinking. As for mom...we decided that it would be better this way."

"I see. So what you're really saying is that you've dropped out of school and ran away from home to be with him." Buffy felt Spike's entire body tense. Her hand slipped from her lap on to his knee under the table, giving him a squeeze. The tension melted away.

"That's not how it is, daddy, really. Spike and I have known each other for months and we do love each other."

"Love? You're only 18!"

"So, Spi-ke," Harmony cooed, leaning into him,"Are you in a band?"

"Um, no, love, but I do play a little guitar, sing some. Used to have a group, but when I was younger, just for fun. Decided my passions lay elsewhere," Spike replied.

"Oooh, passions, like what?"

"Uh, well, Buffy for instance." Harmony shrugged off that answer and moved on,"Does it hurt when you bleach your hair?"

"Lil' bit."

"Oh you should try..."

"Harmony..." Hank said warningly. Spike hated that, sure the bint was as light in the head as angel food cake, but that was no reason to scold her, she likely wasn't any older than Buffy. Harmony stopped talking and took a sip of water from her glass. Their waiter arrived with four small plates and placed them in front of each of them at the table.

"What's this?" Buffy asked.

"Truffles in white chocolate sauce, you'll love them, pet, promise," Spike answered, giving her cheek a quick kiss.

"I've heard of those, what are they again?" Harmony asked, Hank rolled his eyes.

"Mushrooms, Harm," Spike replied,"Good lil' combo if I do say so myself, bloody terrific infact!" Spike could practically see inside Hank's mind, the man was already calculating how much this meal was going to cost. Spike smirked and took a portion from his own plate and cajoled Buffy into tasting it. She gave a pleasurable little moan and after her withdrew his fork he kissed her lips, tasting the white chocolate on her mouth.

"Second best thing I've ever had in my mouth!" Buffy exclaimed and Spike's smirked again.

"We should take some of this sauce home for later, don't you think, pretty pet?" Spike said the words in a hushed voice, but knew full well Hank heard him.

The waiter returned with a bottle of red wine, a vintage Chateau Neuf du Pape that Spike nodded his approval of. Hank would have protested, but Spike had already taken the cork and tasted the wine,"Top stuff, mate," Spike said. Three glasses were pour and when it came to Buffy's glass, Hank put his hand over it.

"She's only 18 years old," he said sternly, casting a foul look Spike's way,"I presume the owner wouldn't want to put his liquor license in jeopardy." Buffy turned a shade of red that was nearly the same as the wine. Her embarrassment had her nearly in tears and Spike's rage was hanging by a thread. She inhaled deeply and looked up at the waiter.

"I'll just have ice water, thank you," she said, sitting up straighter.

"I'd like to take a bottle home," Spike stated.

"Very good sir," the waiter replied. He then passed them each a menu and left them to make their choices. Buffy leaned into Spike, a little apprehensive.

"This is in French," she whispered in his ear.

"I know, pet, don't worry," he replied,"What sort of thing to you fancy?"

"Chicken? That's usually safe isn't it?"

"Go for the Cordon Bleu then, sweet love, it's breast around ham and Swiss cheese. No chance of calf brains there."

"You're not serious?!"

"Sure I am, right there, Cerveaux de Veau."

"Eww."

"And also Jambes de Grenouille."

"Do I even wanna know?"

"Frogs' legs."

"I think I'm gonna be sick."

"There's creme brulee for dessert."

"Better now."

"That's my girl." Spike leaned in a little closer, to her ear, which he kissed lightly,"M' sorry this isn't going so well. I had every intention of being a bastard to him, now I just feel sorry for him. Remember however bad it gets, that I love you. I love you so much, baby." Buffy blushed, this time from his sweet words rather than her father's admonishment. She leaned into her lover and let him bestow a few more kisses on her before parting when the waiter returned to take their orders. Hank, Harmony and Buffy ordered what appealed to them, but Spike seemed to still be perusing the menu.

"Sir? Have you made your selection?" the waiter inquired.

"Hang on a mo'," the bleach blond replied, still examining the entrees,"Tell you what, mate, fancy a bit a bouillia baisse for starters, then let's roll on with the Lobster Bisque...where they get it from? Don't want any of those scrawny blokes outta the Pacific."

"They came in from the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon sir. Would you care to select your own?"

"Nah, s'alright, I trust you..."

"Pierre, sir."

"I trust yah Petey, give us the biggest, gnarliest mother in the tank."

"Very good, sir." Hank gulped down half of his wine glass, sweating under the collar a bit, looking as if he was about to have a heart attack. After the waiter left Spike stretched a bit and shrugged off his leather coat, letting flop over the sides of his chair. Hand was glowering, wondering what Spike's hand was doing to his daughter under the table. It wasn't anything too terrible, his fingers weren't even all the way inside her pussy, just twiddling her clit with the prowess and and skill of a man who'd spent years at a keyboard writing novels. Buffy was taking down her ice water in huge gulps, not enjoying the uncomfortable silence, but so close to orgasm she could barely keep her composure. After a few more rubs, Spike felt her sex throbbing in climax and he let her be. He was impressed that she'd not given the game away in the least. He'd have to reward her for that later. He withdrew his hand from between her legs and pulled her dress back down, giving her knee a pat.

"So Spike," Hank said, as if Spike's name was a curse to call upon when one wanted to inflict boils and sores,"What do you do?" Spike was about to reply "your daughter", but held his tongue.

"I write."

"Write?"

"Yes. I take words and arrange them all pretty like."

"In what capacity?"

"Artistic."

"And you're able to make a living at that?"

"Oh certainly. Got me a good kip from it, nice bed roll, decent set a wheels. Swept my little lamb right off her feet, didn't I?" Buffy smiled gleefully and glided her fingers over his cheek. He was such a romantic. He kissed her finger tips before she took her hand away. Hank felt queasy.

"You're English?"

"Got it in one, mate! Land o' Buck House n' bangers n' mash."

"Why are you in this country?" And when are you leaving it?

"Here to mine my golden future, Pops, n' of course find m'self a special bird like our Buffy here. Had 'er at hello, I did. Didn't I, pet?"

"Something like that," Buffy replied, stifling a little laugh.

"Just how did you meet?" Hank persisted,"Just how old are you, by the way?"

"Aren't we full of questions? Young enough for Buffy." Hanks despised that answer, Spike chuckled,"She hit me with her car. Took pity on this old stray and took him into her heart."

"That's a little far fetched."

"Only about twenty feet or so, m'leg hurt for weeks after. Hurt in the good way though, you know? Well, maybe you don't." Spike poured himself and Harmony another glass of wine and then inched the bottle towards Buffy's father. Spike's hand disappeared under the table and Hank eyed the other man suspiciously. Spike had taken Buffy's hand and placed it over the massive bulge where his cock was tucked comfortable in his jeans. He wasn't especially aroused and Buffy knew it, feeling a little bit ashamed at having so very well endowed a man all to herself. She was surprised his zipper hadn't torn from trying to hold it all in. She let her hand comfortably cup him, knowing her father probably knew exactly what was happening. Her initial embarassment was fading and being replaced with a thirst for vengeance. Spike really was the perfect man for her, not just because he was pissing off her father.

The waiter arrived soon enough with their entrees and Spike had slurped down his soup before he'd received his lobster, colossal thing that it was, all swathed in butter. Spike ordered another bottle of wine, brought Buffy's hand out of his lap and kissed it, then dug into his supper. They ate in silence, Harmony occasionally piping up about how her veal tasted different. Spike didn't have the heart to tell her she'd ordered the brains. Hank barely tasted his food as he watched Spike revel in the flavor of his very expensive lobster, moaning with each sinful mouthful and giving Buffy tastes off his fork, always having to lick up butter drips from her lips. When the waiter had cleared the table, Spike took control yet again and it had Hank fuming to the point where Buffy thought she could see smoke coming out of his ears. Desert was ordered and from another part of the restaurant soft, romantic music could be heard.

"Pet, care to dance?" Spike asked.

"There's dancing?" Buffy answered, a little excited. She'd fantasized many a lonely night about dancing in his arms.

"There's a ballroom, string quartet...ah, and if mine ears don't deceive, a flautist. Come on, treasure, take a turn with your fella."

"Well, when you put it like that."

"Scuse us, me and my lady are takin' a spin." He pulled on his coat and the black leather duster was a living shadow. It swished and swirled out behind him as he lead Buffy through the restaurant. Numerable couples were joining them as they flowed into each other's embrace. Spike took her hand in his and snaked his other arm around her waist and pulled her body flush against his. She lay her head on his shoulder and her hand on his bicep. They weren't really dancing, like the others and their waltzes, instead just holding each other and swaying to the music.

"Thanks, I needed an escape," Buffy sighed.

"Truth be told, me too, babe. I hope you appreciate how much I'm not punching him in the face right now."

"I do. I'm planning on rewarding you later with that white chocolate sauce. Spike, I know you've been laying it on kinda thick, but really, there isn't a single reason for him not to like you! You treat me like a queen."

"You are a queen, my empress, my goddess." Buffy always giggled when he got so extravagant with the compliments,"God, the nights I've spent awake thinking about our first night together, longing to be with you, crying, screaming, begging the universe to let me have you. If your prat of a father can't see how much I love you, need you to be with me always, then he's a fool. Anyone who abandons you is a fool. I'm making you a promise, we're never spending another night apart."

"Good, 'cause I don't want to. Can we leave now? Go home, have some of that wine?"

"Soon enough, pet, I'll get you sloshed, then take advantage."

"Mmm, wanna go now."

"Don't pout. We'll go back now, I'm sure dessert has arrived and we can indulge ourselves once more." He took her arm and lead her back through the restaurant.

"I've changed my mind about the hot and heavies, I'm too full of rich food for all that."

"So, just the pussy eating then? Fine by me." A few guests turned their heads, one woman started choking.

"Good, you're such a pig!"

"You know you love it."

"Somehow."

"Indeed. Oh, hang on, see someone I know."

"Where?"

"Over there, he sees us, wave."

"Spike, that's Mick Jagger!"

"I know. Good chap ol' Mick. Gotta go say hi."

"I can't meet Mick Jagger."

"Sure you can, he's a charming bloke."

"Can I just go back to the table?"

"You sure love?"

"I'll be too nervous."

"Alright, I'll be with you in two shakes." He gave her a kiss and went off to say hello to his friend and Buffy went back to her father and Harmony.

"Where's Spike?" her father asked with disdain as Buffy took her seat.

"He saw someone he knew, so he thought he should say hi."

"One of the kitchen staff?"

"Not exactly."

"Buffy, listen. I've held my tongue all night, but I really have to ask...Is he your pimp?" Buffy's eyes widened and if the waiter hadn't taken her fork after dinner she'd have flung it at him. Aimed for his eye maybe. Or his heart. Hers was breaking.

"Is that what you think of me? Your own daughter?" Her voice cracked and a tear slid down her cheek.

"Well, the way you're dressed..."

"Spike said I looked elegant."

"Covered in all that trashy jewelry."

"It's Harry Winston. We were there today."

"So he is buying you?" Even Harmony seemed to be uncomfortable. Sensing that the tone of the situation was about to escalate, she excused herself to go to the ladies room.

"I'm not a whore. He loves me."

"I thought you were smarter than this. A man will say anything to get what he wants."

"Spike never said anything, Spike saved me from getting raped and murdered!" Buffy quickly hushed her voice, wishing Spike would come back quickly,"You left me two years ago, Dad. You don't even know me, how dare you!"

"I dare because I see my daughter ruining her life with some lowlife who probably runs a drug cartel, dressing like a hooker, ignoring her education, god knows what else." Buffy was wringing her napkin in her hands to endeavor to keep herself under control.

"You didn't hear what I said did you? If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead."

"I hardly think it's as severe as that. You've always had a tendency to exaggerate." Buffy wiped away another tear. She wasn't good with words, she wanted to explain to her father how terrible an experience it had been and how Spike had saved her from much more than an attacker. She wanted to be able to tell him about how he'd filled the gaping wound in her heart that had been torn out when her father had abandoned his wife and daughter. She wanted to tell him how pathetic he was for dangling a trophy like Harmony on his arm, when he'd had something so rich and valuable as a family. Spike had no one. No siblings or parents, no one to love. Except now he had her and she had him. Neither one of them would ever be alone again. She brightened at the realization. Buffy sat herself up a little more straight. Just then Spike came up behind her and kissed the top of her head.

"Miss me?" he asked, taking his seat.

"Always," she replied. He smiled at her at first, then frowned when he looked into her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I think we should have our dessert to go."

"What did you say to her?" Spike demanded. Hank was about to reply, when Spike's friend from earlier walked past with his part and patted him on the back, telling him not to miss the party this coming weekend. Hank Summers was aghast. Once the moment passed, Harmony returned. Neither incident deterred Spike from his purpose, but Buffy's hand on his arm ceased the torrent of rage he was about to unleash on the unknowing Hank Summers. The waiter came then with dessert and Buffy politely asked that it be wrapped up with their other order of wine and sauce and to please bring the cheque. The two men sat across the table glaring at each other. Spike inhaled and let it out slow, forming his thoughts,"I wonder, Mr. Summers, if your job and your bank account make your soul burn the way one smile from my lady does mine? Do lovely young things like Harm here really warm your bed, or is it cold in the morning? When was the last time you felt that lump of dead wax in your chest beat and not fear it was a heart attack? You can't bloody understand can you? What it is to cherish someone? I don't give a piss about what you think of me, or what you think of your daughter truth be told. I know what she really is, what damn miracle she is. I wanted to meet you so I could know the kind of man that would leave his child, so I could be sure to never let myself be that way. I'm enough of a jerk to wish that some day you wake up and realize just how empty your life is, and you come see us then, still together, still in love, maybe with a few tots of our own..." The waiter returned with everything for Spike in a nice handled bag. Spike snatched up the billfold with the cheque, took a glance at the total and pulled a few hundred dollars out of his wallet and put them down on the table. He and Buffy rose to their feet,"She's mine now, so take this as a warning, if you ever do anything to hurt her you'll live to bloody regret it. That's a promise." He took Buffy's hand and led her from the restaurant.

She was silent even as he started the engine to the car, pulling it out on to the road and carrying them home again. Somewhere along the way she began to cry. "I'm sorry, pet," Spike said softly. She was too far away for him to hold he,"I'm a bad, rude man. Shoulda held my tongue."

"Not you," she whispered. She was shivering and the tears were falling harder. He pulled the car over to the shoulder in order to take off his coat and wrap it around her,"Deja vu."

"Come again?"

"You giving me your coat...kinda like that first night."

"Think that was the moment I fell in love with you, when I saw that maybe you needed me."

"I do need you. You're all I have." She scooted over and kissed his cheek,"That's a good thing. I...." Just when he'd thought she was past her moments of sadness over what had transpired this night, she let out sad cry and burst into tears.

"Shhh, pet, don't cry."

"He didn't care! I told him about the night we met and he didn't care about what that psycho almost did to me!" Spike pulled the car on to the shoulder of the road so he could concentrate on only her. It had begun to rain and somehow he took it to be a good sign. She buried her face in his chest and sobbed while he soothed her with loving words and rubs to her back,"Why did he leave me?"

"Cause he was broken, love. He's just not right inside. Buffy you're so glorious, I hardly deserve you. If I have to spend every day making you believe what a smashing lady you are then I'm honored. Let's get home, alright?"

"Yeah, home. That's really my home now isn't it?"

"Yes it is, lovely Buffy. Our home." She hugged him and snuggled in close, the sound of the rain pelting down on the roof of the car setting her oddly at ease.

"I love you, Spike."

"Love you too, sweetheart."

They found the house cold when they walked in, so Spike busied himself with setting a fire in the bedroom's hearth. He'd brought Buffy's suitcases in that morning and she'd unpacked most of her toiletries into the bathroom where she was now, preparing for bed. He hoped to convince her to call her mother, if not to reconcile, at least to inform the woman that they were coming for the rest of Buffy's things. Once the fire was nicely roaring, Spike stripped off his clothes and climbed into the unmade bed. Tomorrow they could deal with yet more familial angst, but tonight he wanted to spend enjoying and loving Buffy. The bathroom door opened and she appeared. Faced scrubbed clean, hair brushed out and she was wearing one of his t-shirts. He admired her sleek tanned legs for a moment, then opened up the covers for her to slip in with him. She curled up against his body and tucked her head under his chin and wrapped her up in blankets and limbs.

"Better now?" he asked.

"Perfect. I like being warm." Outside a February storm had settled in along the coast, heavy rain creating a steady rhythm against the house.

"You gonna be alright, love?"

"Yeah, probably. I was just hoping that after two years he might've changed. He doesn't miss me at all."

"Leopards, spots n' all that rot."

"He wasn't like that when I was little. We did all kinds of stuff together. I used to blame my mom when he stopped caring, they were always fighting. But when she had to sell our first house, her car, work all that overtime. He never helped us, when the whole time he was banging his secretary and vacationing in Hawaii."

"It'll be different with our children. They'll be the center of my universe."

"I love that about you, you're always thinking and dreaming ahead like that. Do you really picture us having babies?"

"Buffy, when I look at you I see a little girl. She's about three years old and chasing after a butterfly. She's got hair like ringlets of gold, blue eyes like mine, your nose, your lips, your spirit. And I'm chasin' after her to make sure she doesn't trip n' fall, laughing with her. When I look in your eyes, I see all the rest of my life." She couldn't hold back diamonds of tears from spilling from her eyes,"Oh bloody hell! Now I've got you cryin' again. Bloke can't bleedin' win!"

"Don't be a jerk. I love you!" Quickly he yanked off the tshirt and pushed her on to her back, draping himself over top her and pressing her down into the mattress, cock already hard and nudging itself into her opening. She closed her eyes and sighed, opening her legs wider and letting him slip in to the hilt,"God, you feel so good, Spike." He let himself go heavy on her, burying his face in her neck and hair and taking her hands in his and holding them above their heads. He was barely thrusting, but just enough to excite her, make her gasp when he stroked in just the right place.

"Marry me, Buffy," he bade, whispering it in her ear.

"Yes!"

"Was that a yes to my proposal, or a yes to this!" He twisted his hips to the right.

"SPIKE!"

"Be my wife?" He looked her in the eyes.

"Yes, I'll be your wife."

"Mine forever?"

"Yours forever."

"Wanna try something new?" She didn't have time to reply before he was already in action. He took hold of her hips and rolled them over so that he was underneath her. She yelped when she found herself sitting down on his cock, feeling him deeper than ever before. She lurched forward, stopping herself with her hands on his chest.

"Woah...."

"You alright?"

"Just gimme a second....wow......." With her knees tucked into his ribs Buffy began to get comfortable, rocking gently.

"Wanted to give you a little control tonight, pet. Besides, there's nothing sexier than watching you on me." His hands glided up her thighs, over her hips, her torso, then cupped her breasts,"I want you to ride me, love."

"What do I do?"

"Use your legs, lift yourself up, then come back down. Not too hard, until you're ready, otherwise you might not like it."

"Can't imagine not liking this!"

"Less talk, more..." She rose up a little, then sunk back down, mmmm-ing her pleasure. She leaned forwards with her hips just a little bit more and drew her body up, gasping when the head at the end of his slightly curved length rubbed over the sweet spot inside she'd only learned about the night before. He was so perfectly made to pleasure her. She hoped she was for him too. She gained a little confidence and moved up higher, moved a little faster and all the while Spike kneaded and squeezed her breasts while looking adoringly up at her. She smiled at him and flipped her hair back, then surprised him by squeezing her inner muscles around him as she rose off him,"Buffy! Fuck, love, do it again!" She did and he groaned, his hips rising up off the bed to meet her descent.

Something seemed to be happening to her that she hadn't quite ever experienced before. He was looking into her eyes and not letting their locked gaze waiver. The fashion of making love in this manner was still a little frightening to her. She'd always had the notion that she was supposed to let the man be in control. He was looking up at her as if he were her willing slave, worshipping her, loving her. He was drawing her emotions to the surface, making her feel them on every level. She stopped suddenly and silently pleaded with him. Sensing her uneasiness he pulled her down to him and rolled them over. Kissing her he began to pump his hips comfortably, bringing them back to their mutual high. This was much more agreeable to Buffy, back in her comfort zone she wrapped her arms and legs around him.

She clung to him tightly enough for him to wonder if she was especially unhappy. He slowed his lovemaking until he wasn't moving at all save for surging just a little bit deeper inside her, being certain to stimulate every possibly nerve ending she had,"Tell me what's wrong," his whispered in her ear. She was shaking, from something deep inside that needed to come out, but moreso from rising to the edge of orgasm. Spike wished that he could somehow hold her closer than he already was, if he could merely reach inside her heart and find out what it was that still held up the final wall between them. He felt her inner walls clamp down on him and Buffy let out a painful sob. She cleaved to him as if her life depended on it, letting a powerful orgasm that pulsed from her womb and flow in waves out through every cell in her body.

Buffy's moans were soon joined by Spike's as she brought him to his own orgasm. As he came, filling her with his release, he imagined he was infusing her with all his love and promises, hoping she understand how vital she was to his life. As they came down, Spike rolled them on to their sides, carefully slipping out of her and wrapping her up in his arms. The fire in the hearth had warmed the room by now, but he still felt the need to cocoon them in the quilt. She was crying, but placing kisses on his breast. She was muttering something that sounded like apologies.

"Buffy?"

"Hmm?"

"Sweetheart, please talk to me. If something's wrong I need to know about it. Would you like to call your mum up?"

"No...maybe."

"Are you sorry you left home?"

"I had to, she never would've let me see you. Are you saying you wish I hadn't come?"

"Don't be foolish, girl! Buff, don't you know how much I need you here with me? I'll just bloody die without you."

"That's how I feel."

"I know that we're crazy to be doing this...you are young, there's no denying that. And I don't want to keep you from having your life. You'll finish school, go on to college, get a career and I remember how hard it was being on my own right after my mum died. My uncle Rupert tried, but I went off, got in with Dru and her crowd and led a pretty bad life, but I had to in order to become who I am now. I'm a man you can be safe with, be yourself with. You understand that?

"I do, I'm learning. I'm really scared about the future, okay? I can't seem to let it go. My dad said something..."

"And it's put doubts in your mind?"

"I'm trying not to let it get to me. I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow, or the day after that..."

"I don't know either, sweetheart. My latest book is finished and I don't know what I want to do next. No more meetings for my movie deals. Got nothing to do but make sweet love to you....." That got a grin and a little giggle,"Oh Buffy, you are a treasure, to be sure. Let's take it a day at a time, shall we?"

"How's about an hour at a time?"

"What should we do for the next hour?" She gave him a hint by giving his nipple a little nibble.

"What's your middle name?"

"Royston."

"Royston?"

"Un-huh.

"Go get the wine and chocolate, William Royston Giles."

"Your wish is my command, future-Mrs. William Royston Giles." He kissed the tip of her nose and slipped out of bed,"Buffy, love?"

"Yeah?"

"I think it would be good if you called your mum tomorrow."

"I will, I want you to meet her. She's not like my dad. Can I meet your uncle?"

"Eventually, he's in England."

"Maybe we should go there for our honeymoon."

"Sound perfect. Be right back." She watched his very cute bare bottom walk away from her and Buffy lay back in bed, pulling the covers up to her ears. She really did feel more safe here than she had in years, even before her father left. It seemed to her that in hindsight she and Spike had both been lost. But now, together in their home, they were found.